The Bellevue Police Department would like to remind drivers in Bellevue that parking spaces with electric vehicle charging stations are for electric vehicles only while charging. The city recently brought signage at electric vehicle charging stations at several parks and other city facilities into compliance with Washington law, which means that violators may be subject to a $124 fine under RCW 46.08.185.

According to the state Department of Transportation, there were nearly 8,000 electric vehicles registered in Washington at the beginning of 2014, and that number is increasing rapidly. Officer Seth Tyler, Public Information Officer for the Bellevue Police Department says: “While it is true that the charging network in Bellevue is constantly growing, the reality is that there are a limited number of public electric vehicle charging stations in the city, so it’s important to leave those spaces open for drivers that need them.”